Last night at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California Manny Pacquiao came through with a big victory over hardened veteran Hector Velazquez while Erik ‘El Terrible’ Morales was shockingly upset by slick Philadelphian Zahir Raheem over twelve rounds. Jim Lampley, Larry Merchant, and Emmanuel Steward covered the action for HBO and we captured some of the finer quotes of the night from all parties involved.
‘A fight has broken out!’ – Larry Merchant after a great second round of action between Pacquiao and Velazquez
‘This guy has nothing on you!’ – Velazquez’ corner urging their charge on after round 2
‘Pacquiao’s speed is starting to dominate but you get the sense that Velazquez is always going to be dangerous and that he could land one big punch to turn things around.’ – Larry Merchant during the 3rd round
‘Velazquez is the perfect opponent for Pacquiao because he’s simply ready and willing to fight.’ – Jim Lampley on Hector Velazquez and his aggressive style
‘And Velazquez goes down!’ – Jim Lampley after Manny Pacquiao hurt Velazquez with a big right hand and dropped him to the canvas soon afterwards. Moments later the referee would call a halt to the contest.
‘It was very important to me to get the win. I worked very hard for all of this. Now that I have a new manager and a new promoter I can put all of my focus into boxing. I think I can beat Morales in a rematch.’ – Manny Pacquiao looking towards his future.
‘A fight between Pacquiao and Morales will always be hard because of the inner strength that they both have.’ – Emmanuel Steward struggling to give an edge to either man.
